The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has as noble and important a mission statement as you you will ever see...

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is dedicated to responding to marine mammals and sea turtles in distress along all of New Jersey’s waterways and to the rehabilitation of these animals for release back into the wild. In situations where animals may not be released, every effort is made to secure a proper, enriching facility to provide lifetime care. We are further committed to the well-being of marine mammals and to inspire responsible stewardship of our oceans through educational programs and collaboration.

Originally based in Gardner’s Basin in the inlet section of Atlantic City, the Center is now located on the barrier island of Brigantine, bordering coastal New Jersey’s largest wildlife refuge.

With a permit and authorization from the state and federal governments, the Center has responded to over 5,100 strandings of whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that have washed ashore over the years.

This week, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center gave us a Facebook update on the seals who are presently patients in their hospital. The information is fascinating and super local for South Jersey. Three of the four seals now under the Center's care are from the neighborhood!